Cobb elections office sets early-voting schedule and four AIP locations for CD-14 special election
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Summary
The Cobb County Board approved advanced in-person voting hours and four locations for the March 10 special election in Congressional District 14, and discussed polling-site shortages, drop-box limits under state code, and the need for timely voter notices.
The Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration approved an advanced in-person (AIP) voting schedule and four polling locations for the March 10 special election in U.S. House District 14, while staff and board members discussed polling-site shortages in parts of the district and legal limits on drop boxes.
Acting elections director Michael told the board the special election for Congressional District 14 covers northwest Cobb County with 30 precincts and about 109,962 eligible voters (roughly 100,909 active). He proposed four AIP locations — North Cobb Senior Center, Ben Robertson Community Center, West Cobb Regional Library and Boots Ward Recreation Center — with early voting arranged as follows: Feb. 16–20 (Mon–Fri) 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Feb. 21 (Sat) 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Feb. 23–27 (Mon–Fri) 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Feb. 28 (Sat) 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Mar. 1 (Sun) 12 p.m.–5 p.m.; and Mar. 2–6 (Mon–Fri) 7 a.m.–7 p.m. All four locations will have drop boxes.
Board members asked whether the office must place a drop box at the elections main office and discussed statutory limits on additional drop boxes. Staff cited the statute language that allows at least one drop box for absentee mail and additional boxes up to the lesser of (a) one drop box per 100,000 active voters in the county or (b) the number of advanced voting locations. Staff noted the statute appears drafted for countywide elections but is applied using county active-voter totals.
Members also discussed the practical challenge of finding permanent polling locations after inflated facility rental costs and temporary co-locations used during the prior, crowded election cycle. Michael said the office is pursuing a 'SITES' process (source, initiate contact, survey, evaluate terms, negotiate, sign) and will work with county public-services departments to secure hosts. The board requested data on registered-active voters and past turnout in affected co-located precincts to decide whether to continue temporary co-location or finalize new permanent sites.
A motion to approve the proposed AIP hours and locations passed and the schedule was set for CD-14. Staff will proceed with contract execution, voter notification and distribution of mailing notices within the legally required timelines.
